Clinton Finds Humor in Kennedy Snub

Democratic presidential contenders Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, in the midst of a vigorous race for their party’s presidential nomination, shared a laugh on the Senate floor Wednesday night — but only after some initial awkwardness.

Clinton

Clinton was chatting with a group of senators, including prominent Obama supporter Sen. Edward Kennedy, during a vote on economic-stimulus legislation. Obama passed by the group once and greeted Sen. Tim Johnson, who was standing nearby. Obama passed by again, and gave a thumbs-up sign to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who was standing next to Clinton. Then, he appeared to be moving to greet Clinton directly, but Sen. John Kerry got his attention first. Finally, Kennedy brought Obama into the conversation.

Obama

Clinton laughed, as the group joked about Kennedy’s endorsement of Obama, and Clinton’s subsequent win of his home state, Massachusetts, on Super Tuesday. Clinton remarked to Obama about “a big sigh of relief when he endorsed you.”

“You know, a little ribbing,” Feinstein said when asked about the exchange. “It was all good-hearted though.”

“I think they were having fun at Ted’s expense,” said Sen. Claire McCaskill. She said Kennedy told her it’s been a hard month. First there was the Super Bowl, where the supposedly unbeatable New England Patriots lost. Then the election, which is dividing Democrats — including the Kennedy family — between the Clinton and Obama camps. “But everyone is good-natured about it,” McCaskill said.

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.